Francis Wilson

Francis L. Wilson, age 90, of rural Sheridan, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and farmer by heart, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024 with his daughter by his side. Fran was born in August of 1933. He was one of ten children born to Arthur and Esther (Morris) Wilson. Fran grew up poor on a farm on Lincoln Lake Road and had to quit school at a young age to start working to help support the family. Because of this, Fran developed an exceptional work ethic and carried it throughout his life, working on his farm into his eighties. On January 18, 1952 in Belding, Fran married Mary Ellen Olsen. In May of 1953 they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Beverly. In March of 1958 they welcomed their son, Ronald. Fran and Mary purchased their farm in Sheridan in 1959 and over the next few decades the farm grew into a large Holstein dairy and crop farm, raising corn, wheat, soybeans, colored dry beans and alfalfa. For many years Fran qualified for the 500 honor roll of Michigan Dairy Herd Improvement Association and Montcalm County Cooperative Extension with impressive per cow pounds of milk numbers and per cow pounds of butterfat. Fran was also a member of the USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee for over 15 years. Fran and Mary took great pride in their farm, animals, crops and family and many people recognized their farm on M-57 by their large flock of white geese in their pond and around the barns and milkhouse. Fran had a few different jobs, he was a security guard for Gibson's, a milk hauler for Meadow Gold Milk and Dairyland Milk and a school bus driver, but the job Fran loved the most was being a Farmer. He was good at it. He took great joy in caring for things, watching them grow and being a good steward of the land. Fran and Mary were married for almost 49 years until her passing in 2001. Fran was a wonderful husband, he took care of Mary as long as he could after she became sick and when he no longer could, he visited her every single day until her passing, showing true dedication and the definition of love. Fran was lucky again later in life and found love with Donna Green. Fran and Donna went on many adventures together and never had a dull moment, if you listen, you can probably still hear the two of them laughing together. They enjoyed many years together, but not long enough, until her passing in 2011. Fran was a member of Michigan Farm Bureau for 70 years and a member of Michigan Milk Producers Association. He was a past Fairplain township supervisor and trustee. He was a member of Shiloh Community Church for over 40 years. Fran was special to many people. He never missed an event or an opportunity to visit. He was kind, loving, thoughtful, generous, funny, smart, supportive and hardworking. A man of true integrity. Fran was witty and charming, always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his beaming blue eyes. He was, hands down, The Best Grandpa Ever! Great grief is born only of great love. Fran leaves behind his daughter, Beverly Wilson of Sheridan, his son, Ronald & Debbie Wilson of Tekonsha; a brother, Richard & Barbara Wilson of Grand Rapids; granddaughters, Amber & Jason Barnes of Sheridan, and Autumn Miller and great granddaughter, Aubryn Miller both of Alvin, Texas. Awaiting his arrival in Heaven are his parents; his wife, Mary Ellen; his dear friend, Donna Green; his brothers, Owen, Larry, Tom and Mike; his sisters, Pat, Arlene, Dixie and Barb; and many other friends, loved ones and special animals he has had throughout his wonderful life. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday. The Rev. Scott Hall, Fran's great nephew, will officiate and burial will follow at Rest Haven Memory Gardens, Belding. "And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said ‘I need a caretaker’, so God made a Farmer.” - Paul Harvey Job well done, Fran! The family wishes to thank the staff at Corewell Health RNC and Hospice for their care, compassion and support. In honor and memory of Fran, the family asks that you do an act of kindness for a loved one, stranger, animal or the earth, as that is what Fran would have enjoyed. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Fran's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francis Wilson, please visit our flower store.